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“17 Songs Inspired by Outer Space…to an Extent” features songs courtesy of Ansel Elgort, Bazzi, KYLE, Manchester Orchestra, and The Voidz among others. 

According to Future (when he’s not doing things at the “Same Damn Time”), “My obsession with outer space is my way of being different. I make astronaut music. It takes an astronaut so long to get to space – that’s how long it takes to catch up on my music.”  So, what does Future’s obsession with outer space and musical philosophy have to do with this playlist? Very little to be honest, except for the reference to outer space.  Future doesn’t even make an appearance on this list, save for this bloated, extraterrestrial intro, sigh.  Furthermore, to quote another artist who “don’t have a dog in this fight” – Jermaine Jackson – “Let’s Get Serious”.

“17 Songs Inspired by Outer Space…to an Extent” features songs that use outer space-related words in their song titles, such as aliens, moon, satellite, star, and such.  While some songs may actually tie-in to the space vibes indicated by their respective titles, others don’t.  It’s not a requirement that the songs on this list embrace the science in others words.  Artists appearing on this list include Ansel Elgort, Bazzi, KYLE, Manchester Orchestra (twice mind you), and The Voidz among others. “Fly Me to the Moon” Frank Sinatra!

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1. KYLE, “To the Moon”

Light of Mine • Atlantic • 2018

Association with outer space: The Moon

“Mm / To the moon, to the moon / Mm / Let’s go to the moon.” Hmm, not the Frank Sinatra version at all! The influence of Kid Cudi is crystal clear on “To the Moon”, among the elite songs from Light of Mine.  Cali rapper KYLE keeps things short and sweet.

Opening with moody, minor key production work, a vibe is set from the jump. Adding to that mood and vibe is a slower, more relaxed tempo. Despite the pace, the drum programming keeps the rhythmic intensity on-point. Even against a darker backdrop with the Cudi vibes kicking, KYLE remains a true ‘beacon of light.’

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2. Ansel Elgort, “Supernova”

Supernova – Single • Island • 2018

Association with outer space: supernova

I’ve been waking up drenched in sweat / All my dreams, full of my regret / I keep hearing what my mother said / Eyes are open, all I see is red.” Actor-musician Ansel Elgort builds his case for a musical breakthrough on the enjoyable, sleek, urban-pop single, “Supernova”.  There’s plenty to ‘sink your teeth into,’ starting with the sleek, modern production work, exemplifying the urban-pop sound.  The trap percussion, coupled with minor key synths adds a ‘desirable toughness.’ Elgort matches this toughness with emotional, expressive, and honest vocals and lyrics. Elgort gets a hair salty on the second verse.

“I’ve been, I’ve been so fucked in my head
I’ve been going through phases, I’m just going through phases
Don’t know what this craze is
When’s the last time someone said shit?
Walking through your mazes
When’s the last time someone meant it?”

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3. Vance Joy, “Saturday Sun”

Nation of Two • Atlantic • 2018

Association with outer space: the sun

Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy returned in 2018 with an enjoyable, thoughtful, and well-rounded sophomore album, Nation of Two.  The sophomore album by the artist of “Riptide” fame includes gems such as “Lay It on Me”, “We’re Going Home” and “Like Gold”.  While the song at hand, “Saturday Sun,” wasn’t picked a ‘gem’ within the album review, there is no shame it its game.  “Saturday Sun” is chocked-full of energy and exuberance.  That checks off a box, right?  Joy continues to sing effortlessly. Another box checked. Notably, “Saturday Sun” features ample ukulele.  Can’t go wrong with the uke, so that’s another box checked, regardless of the day of the week.

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4.Sabrina Carpenter & Jonas Blue, “Alien”

Alien – Single • Hollywood • 2018

Association with outer space: aliens

American Actress-singer Sabrina Carpenter and English DJ-producer Jonas Blue joined forces in 2018 for an enjoyable dance-pop record, “Alien”. Sigh, the duo keeps things relatively “short and sweet” on “Alien,” which clocks in at under three minutes. There’s a vibe from the jump, with finger snaps, falsetto by Carpenter, and an inviting, cool backdrop courtesy of Blue.

Though initially light, the intensity of “Alien” picks up, particularly on the record’s centerpiece, the chorus.

“Don’t let me leave when I’m standing at your door
Don't make me stop when you’re really wanting more
When you’re really wanting more
If you show me what you were thinking of
Let me get inside your mind
If you show me love it’ll be enough
It’ll be a better night.”

All in all, “Alien” is sound throughout its course.  The record could’ve used a tad more oomph to achieve indisputable greatness, but it’s certainly a worthwhile spin.

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5. Lord Huron, “Moonbeam”

Vide Noir • Republic • 2018

Association with outer space: The Moon

“The sun will rise above the hills / You will be leaving me soon, like hell you will.”  For some context, Lord Huron, led by Ben Schneider, dropped a highly-anticipated, conceptual third studio album with Vide Noir. Vide Noir translates roughly as empty black (black void).  The protagonist (of the Vide Noir narrative) dreams about his lost lover on the rhythmic, major key “Moonbeam.” Romantic, yet still black, Schneider sings, “And you wore nothing more than your raven hair.” Despite the brightness of “Moonbeam” in key and the fact ‘love lost is found,’ Lord Huron sticks to the dark script of Vide Noir.  “Moonbeam” is best examined as an excerpt from a larger narrative.

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6. Bazzi, “Star”

COSMIC • 2018

Association with outer space: stars

“I see it all now / You’re a star / I can see it all now / You look…” Bazzi (Andrew Bazzi) is a 20-year old, rising urban-pop artist from Michigan, now based in California.  His breakout moment comes by way of single, “Mine”.  But, we’re focusing on another excellent song from his debut album COSMIC, “Star.” “Star” features exuberant vocals by Bazzi – he’s young and chocked-full of confidence and swagger.  In addition to those shimmering pipes, Bazzi is lifted by bright, major key production that keeps things relatively simple.

 

“Like you straight out a movie
Naked in the jacuzzi
Stuntin’ like you Madonna
That beautiful persona.”

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7. Kendrick Lamar & SZA, “All the Stars”

Black Panther Music from and Inspired By • Interscope • 2018

Association with outer space: stars

“This may be the night that my dreams might let me know / All the stars are closer, all the stars are closer, all the stars are closer.” Kendrick Lamar and SZA shine on “All the Stars”, the stellar promo single from Black Panther Music from and Inspired By (Black Panther Soundtrack).  “All the Stars” has more of a pop, electro-driven urban sound.  Not necessarily what’s normally expected from either musician, ultimately, it works out magnificently.  Following the stellar chorus by SZA, Lamar delivers his awesome rhymes without a hitch.  SZA goes on to shine on her own verse.

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8. Chloe x Halle, “Galaxy”

The Kids are Alright • Parkwood / Columbia • 2018

Association with outer space: galaxies

Chloe x Halle had one of the quieter album rollouts of 2018 with the release of The Kids are Alright.  Nonetheless, the teen sister duo, signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood label, is definitely an act to watch. The song at hand, “Galaxy,” features lovely, well-produced vocals.

Notably, “Galaxy” has a mysterious, uniquely cosmic nature about it, matching the galactic theme of the lyrics – at least on the chorus/post-chorus.

 

“I’mma throw you back into the galaxy
Fly with the stars, yeah, we’ll be far away
See if you’re my love, only love for you
Wonderful night won’t you float far away
Leave with my love, only love for you.”

In addition to the sensational vocals and unique sound of “Galaxy,” the rhythmic nature of the record stands out.

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9. The Voidz, “Black Hole”

Virtue • RCA • 2018

Association with outer space: black hole

According to Steven Edelstone (Consequence of Sound), “The Voidz don’t give a fuck what you think.” Charming – who are The Voidz? The Voidz are an alternative rock band led by The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas.  Believe it or not, Casablancas is nearly 40! That’s a conversation for another time though.  “Black Hole” appears on the band’s unique debut album, Virtue and it is indeed a trip.  “Black Hole” is characterized by its driving, rhythmic nature, as well as its noisy, busy production work.  As odd and sometimes messy as “Black Hole” may be, there are some terrific moments, led by distorted, edgy guitars.  In regards to the vocals, well, their buried within the production.

“Quit your crying for the other side
Can’t fight with tears in your eyes
I don’t want to be here anymore than you
Take a shot
What’s that say? NSA, NRA at the gates of Psycho City
Black hole sucking us into oblivion.”

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10. MAX, “Meteor”

Meteor • DCD2 / Crush Music • 2017

Association with outer space: meteors

Pop musician Max Schneider, better known as MAX, dropped an intriguing single in 2017, “Meteor”. “Meteor” commences with an enigmatic intro, which sets the tone for the record.  MAX quasi-sings, but more notably, delivers with a poetic touch:

“A meteor bursting through my atmosphere / What’s a star I long to touch, it’s so very near / Here I am reaching towards its erupting flame / With thoughts surrounded by your name.”

The M.O. is clearly love. While “Meteor” doesn’t offer a substantial amount of depth, the vibe and overall effect intended with the lyrics works without a hitch.  Add a sense of experimentation – going against the grain and the expected – and you have another reason to go gaga for “Meteor.”  Vocally, MAX sounds like a boss, particularly when he ascends into his falsetto.

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11. Coldplay, “A L I E N S”

Kaleidoscope EP • Parlophone • 2017

Association with outer space: aliens

“We were hovering without a home / Millions are UFO / Hovering in hope some scope tonight / Sees the light and says…” Coldplay joins the outer space action with “A L I E N S,” a highlight from the Grammy-nominated Kaleidoscope EP.  “A L I E N S” has a number of pros.  The first is the meter. So often, we’re accustomed to everything being in common time.  Here, Coldplay opt for 5/4, naturally stretching the ear more.  Another pro is focusing on the alternative – the ambience! The extraterrestrial vibes!

“Just an alien
Just an alien
Oh, we just want to get home again.”

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12. Manchester Orchestra, “The Alien”

A Black Mile to the Surface • Loma Vista • 2017

Association with outer space: aliens

“And when you got to Pleasant Hill / You forced the traffic to erase your family demons / And made a pact with you and God / If you don’t move I swear to you I’m gonna make you.” Hmm, sounds a bit morbid… Manchester Orchestra makes their first of two appearances on 17 Songs Inspired by Outer Space…to an Extent with single, “The Alien.” “The Alien” is the fifth track from the band’s 2017 album, A Black Mile to the Surface. As a whole, A Black Mile to the Surface is a bit of a complex album, with each song carrying significance and playing a role to the overall narrative.

According to Bob Boilen of NPR, frontman Andy Hull e-mailed him regarding “The Alien,” saying:

“‘The Alien’ is a narrative about a small slice of time in a man’s life as he faces a lofty decision with a dire consequence. It is ultimately about family and the effects, big and small, that family has on everybody.”

Ultimately, “The Alien” is part of a larger story that centers around death and regret.

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13. Manchester Orchestra, “The Sunshine”

A Black Mile to the Surface • Loma Vista • 2017

Association with outer space: the sun

“I already know that I don’t already know / You are the sunlight / I don’t really care if you don’t understand / You are the moonlight.” Ah, yet another Manchester Orchestra song. “The Sunshine” arrives as the sixth track on A Black Mile to the Surface, following the aforementioned “The Alien.” If “The Alien” seems complex and troubled, “The Sunshine” is briefer, celebrating a truly meaningful life – Andy Hull’s baby girl.

 

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14. Rob Zombie, “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.”

The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser • Rob Zombie / Universal • 2016

Association with outer space: U.F.O.

To quote the late, great Amy Winehouse, “what kind of fuckery is this”? Rob Zombie has always been one of a kind.  That said, it’s not shocking that he has a song outlandishly titled “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.” on an album outlandishly titled The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser. Honestly, considering (1) Rob Zombie (2) the song title and (3) the album title, what more can be said than WTF or the aforementioned A.W. quote? Expectedly, “Well, Everybody’s Fucking in a U.F.O.” is perverted and twisted.

 

“Now every night this wolf
Comes a peeping through, through filthy glory holes
He’s pounding on a rubber bat and a big old jelly roll
I said, ‘look to the skies I think I saw a spaceship ready to feast’
But all they had was jizz on the walls
And bones of a mangled priest.”

Glory holes? Yuck. Jelly roll? Jizz? Yikes, what a totally disturbing listening experience.

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15. All Time Low, “Satellite”

Future Hearts • Hopeless • 2016

Association with outer space: satellites

“Wishing on a star that’s just a satellite / Driving in a car with broken tail lights / Growing up with eyes glued shut…” Merriam-Webster defines a satellite as “a celestial body orbiting another of larger size” or “a manufactured object or vehicle intended to orbit the earth, moon, or another celestial body.” You get the idea, and so does Alex Gaskarth on the aforementioned quote. On the song “Satellite,” Gaskarth reminisces back on the good ole days, specifically when All Time Low was a young band.  On the outro, Gaskarth repeatedly sings, “We were just kids, were just kids singing.”

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16. Kid Cudi, “SATELLITE FLIGHT”

KiD CuDi presents SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon • Republic • 2014

Association with outer space: satellites; space exploration

Is there anybody like Kid Cudi in the game? While KYLE did a fantastic job of channeling the left-field rapper on the aforementioned “To the Moon”, there is NOBODY like Kid Cudi, period.  One of his odder albums arrived in 2014: KiD CuDi presents SATELLITE FLIGHT: The journey to Mother Moon.  The cosmic album title speaks for itself.  Non-standard and unconventional, Satellite Flight is a ‘fans-only album’ that is more mixtape than true studio album. The song at hand, “Satellite Flight” finds Kid Cudi being ‘true to self,’ serving up an oddball offering that’s as cosmic its title.  “Satellite Flight” is all about vibe – “Come on don’t be shy / Let your guard down and work it.”

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17. Katy Perry, “E.T. (Remix)”

Ft. Kanye West

Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection • Capitol • 2012

Association with outer space: aliens; E.T.

“E.T. phone home”… A reference from the 1982 Steven Spielberg classic seems appropriate given the appearance of “E.T.” as the closing song of our playlist.  This Katy Perry song should be innocent enough BUT the ever-colorful Kanye West makes things more interesting: “I got a dirty mind I got filthy ways / I’m tryna bathe my ape in your Milky Way… / I’ll be so far up / We don’t give a fu-uh-uck…”

Clearly, West comes off as narcissistic to the nth degree, and his lyrics are incredibly troubling.

 

“Tell me what's next? Alien sex
I’mma disrobe you
Then I’mma probe you
See I abducted you
So I tell you what to do
I tell you what to do, what to do.”

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, Crush Music, DCD2, Hollywood, Hopeless, Interscope, Island, Loma Vista, Parkwood, Parlophone, RCA, Republic, Rob Zombie, Universal

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